•••
We get to the pub after more than forty-five minutes. At this point, the traffic is nuts but the drive wasn’t bad. Mark is a nice guy, always quick to make me laugh. He’s nice company, I’ll admit it. He’s honest and direct and doesn’t hide behind a wall. He just is who he is.
“This is it.” I indicate the pub on the right.
“Looks like a cool place,” he says, parking about fifty meters from the entrance.
“Yeah, it is.”
“Are you busy tonight? I mean… with wedding stuff?”
“Not really, to be honest. They’re having a stag party tonight and so I’ll be hanging out here to help the girls.”
“Okay, got it.”
“What? I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s not important, Ciara, I gave it a try.”
You gave it a try? Where was I?
I know where I was, with my head someplace else, thinking of someone else and a heart… Well, by now I’ve already played my cards.
I look at Mark clumsily and maybe he’s eager to get back home but I say, why not?
“You could come in if you feel like a beer,” I tell him. “The guys won’t be leaving for a while yet.”
“You don’t have to invite me, I understand—”
“I want to.” I interrupt him, putting my hand over his, which is resting on the gear lever.
He looks down for an instant before smiling at me with his whole face coming alive.
“I’d love to.”
•••
Mark opens the door toOnly4Youand lets me pass.It’s a festive atmosphere and the laughter of the customers hits us right away. It happens every time you come here.
“Let’s find a table,” I say, before pointing one out by the bar.
Jay is the first one to see us. As soon as he does, his usual happy expression changes, darkening slightly.
“Uhm… Hi guys.” He runs his hand through his hair in embarrassment and looks around before returning his attention to us.
“Hi, Jay. This is my friend, Mark.”
“Hi, Mark, nice to meet you.”
“What’ll we have, two Harps?” I ask him.
“Perfect.”
Jay nods and makes his way off again, scanning the room. I turn back to the guy who accompanied me here.
“This is a really cute place,” he remarks.
“It’s a family place. It’s always so warm and welcoming.”
